It has been a big week for diabetes technology and treatment. The FDA approved a once-weekly insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes, cleared the first insulin dosing app for adults with type 2 who inject insulin, and a new study found that chasing perfectly flat glucose may not be the best way to feel good day to day. Here is what was announced, what it means, and what it does not mean.

Key takeaways

  • Sept 24: the FDA approved Eli Lilly's once-weekly insulin efsitora alfa-gobe (Onswik) for adults with type 2 diabetes. It is not for type 1.
  • Sept 28: the FDA cleared MODI, a CGM-driven insulin dosing app from DreaMed Diabetes, for adults with type 2 diabetes who use long-acting insulin or multiple daily injections.
  • Sept 27 (study report): researchers in Germany found that better time in range went with better quality of life, but stricter attempts to avoid all glucose swings may come at a price.
  • None of this changes your treatment on its own. Talk to your care team before making any change.

A once-weekly insulin gets FDA approval

On September 24, 2026, the FDA approved insulin efsitora alfa-gobe, sold as Onswik and made by Eli Lilly, to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise, according to HCPLive's report on the approval. It is given as a single injection once a week, on the same day each week, instead of a daily basal insulin shot.

The approval was based on four phase 3 QWINT trials with more than 3,400 participants. All four met their main goal of showing that efsitora lowered HbA1c at least as well as daily insulin (within a pre-set margin of 0.4 percentage points). In QWINT-1, HbA1c fell by 1.19 percentage points with efsitora versus 1.16 with insulin glargine. In QWINT-2, the fall was 1.26 versus 1.17 with insulin degludec. Rates of low blood sugar were lower than or similar to the daily insulins in the trials.

What it does not mean: the label advises against use in type 1 diabetes because of an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia, and safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. Whether weekly insulin suits you is a decision for you and your doctor.

First insulin dosing app for adults with type 2 diabetes is cleared

On September 28, the FDA granted 510(k) clearance to MODI, an app from DreaMed Diabetes, as Healio reported. It is cleared for adults with type 2 diabetes who use long-acting insulin or multiple daily injections. The app analyses a person's continuous glucose monitor (CGM) patterns and insulin data and generates personalised dose adjustment recommendations, without a healthcare professional having to configure settings or approve each recommendation.

Healio notes that clinical validation continues through the MODIUS trial, which is expected to finish in January 2027, and that no launch date or pricing was given. Healio notes this follows the earlier FDA clearance of Dexcom Smart Basal for long-acting insulin titration, so automated dose guidance is a growing category.

What it does not mean: a cleared app is still a medical tool for a specific group of people. If you use insulin, do not start or change how you dose based on a news story. Ask your care team whether a tool like this fits your situation.

New study: keeping glucose "too steady" may come at a price

A study from Professor Dominic Ehrmann and colleagues at the Research Institute Diabetes Academy Mergentheim (FIDAM) in Germany, reported by ScienceDaily, followed 400 adults (72% with type 1 and 28% with type 2 diabetes, average age 47, average HbA1c 7.6%). People reported better quality of life after days when their glucose stayed in the target range. Surprisingly, days with higher-than-usual glucose variability were also linked to better next-day quality of life.

The researchers suggest this may mean people feel worse when they try to avoid every fluctuation too strictly. That fits what many people with diabetes describe: very tight control can mean constant checking and limits on food, activity and spontaneity.

Keep it in perspective: this is an observational association, not proof that more variability is good, and staying in range was still linked to feeling better. It is a reminder that wellbeing matters alongside the numbers, not a reason to ignore highs and lows.

What this means for you

  • More tools, same principle. Weekly insulin and CGM-driven dosing apps aim to cut daily burden. The right choice depends on your type of diabetes, medication and your care team's advice.
  • Your data is valuable. CGM and activity data is what makes tools like these possible. Keeping consistent logs helps your care team see patterns.
  • Aim for a life you can live. Time in range matters, and so does enjoying your day. Regular movement is one of the most reliable ways to help, as we explain in our guide to diabetes and exercise.

DiaFitus offers general fitness and nutrition guidance. It does not give insulin dosing advice and does not replace your care team. You can learn how it fits alongside your CGM on our features page.